Insecticidal yersinia entomophaga compositions and uses thereof

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a novel bacterium  Yersinia entomophaga  MH96 as deposited at DSMZ on 4 May 2006 and designated accession no. DSM 18238. The present invention also relates to substances obtained or derived from  Yersinia entomophaga  MH96, which retain biopesticide activity. Methods for protecting a plant from pest infestation which include applying to the plant or its environment an effective amount of  Yersinia entomophaga  MH96 or a product delivered from the bacterium are also described.

STATEMENT OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/303,872, filed Mar. 1, 2010, now abandoned, which is a U.S. National Phase of International Application No. PCT/NZ2007/000146, filed Jun. 8, 2007, designating the U.S., which claims priority to Australian Patent Application No. 2006903111, filed Jun. 8, 2006, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

This application is based on the Provisional specification filed in relation to Australian Patent Application Number 2006903111, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING

The present application is being filed along with a Sequence Listing in electronic format. The Sequence Listing is provided as a file entitled JAMES132_002D1.TXT, created Sep. 18, 2015, which is 2.27 Kb in size. The information in the electronic format of the Sequence Listing is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a novel bacterium and uses thereof. In particular, the present invention relates to applications concerned with the biopesticide activity of the novel bacterium and of its mutant or variant strains. The present invention also concerns substances obtained or derived from the aforesaid bacteria.

BACKGROUND ART

The invention describes a pesticidal strain of a new species to be called Yersinia entomaphaga that is active against a wide range of insect species. The novel bacterium also produces a toxic filtrate component that is also useful as a biopesticide agent in the control of insect species.

A novel insecticidal bacterium isolated from a New Zealand insect is described. The bacterium is a new species residing within the genus Yersinia and has been named Yersinia entomophaga MH96. Y. entomophaga has a broad host range towards members of the coleopteran and lepidopteran species amongst others. Death occurs within 72 hours post inoculation. The infection process appears to be due to a rapid build up in the bacterial population followed by a rapid invasion of the haemocoel leading to the cadaver taking on a deliquescing black appearance. Data are provided on biochemical utilisation tests (API), DNA sequences relating to phylogenetic analysis encompassing 16s ribosomal RNA sequencing and MLST sequence analysis of known Yersinia genes is given. In addition the DNA sequence of ˜132 short random Y. entomophaga genomic sequences are given.

A gram-negative bacterium was isolated from an infected grass grub field collected from New Zealand soils. Inoculation of grass grub larvae with the bacterium showed that death occurred within 2-3 days at 15° C. Standard biochemical identification using API20E and API50CH test strips indicated the bacterium is a member of the Enterobacteriaceae most similar to E. sakazakii, but subsequent molecular characterisation placed it in the genus Yersinia.

The continued use of B. thuringiensis and derivatives as a biopesticide over many years can lead to an increase in resistant insects. There is, therefore, a need for novel biopesticides to control insects.

There is also a need for biological control agents such as biopesticides to provide an alternative to chemical pesticides which can be toxic to non-target organisms in the environment.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

It is acknowledged that the term ‘comprise’ may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term ‘comprise’ shall have an inclusive meaning—i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term ‘comprised’ or ‘comprising’ is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The original organism name Yersinia entomophagous MH-1 has been amended herein to refer to Yersinia entomophaga MH96, to conform to the official nomenclature of this organism. Thus, it should be clear that both names refer to the same organism as originally described in the provisional specification and the subject of the biological deposit at DSMZ on 4 May 2006 and designated accession no. DSM 18238.

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that unless the context clearly relays otherwise use of the terms Yersinia entomophaga MH96 or bacteria in this specification should also be taken to include mutant and variant strains of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 which retain the biopesticide activity.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an isolated Yersinia entomophaga MH96 bacterium deposited at DSMZ on 4 May 2006 and designated accession no. DSM 18238.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 to directly or indirectly obtain a biopesticide.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 as a biopesticide.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 in the manufacture of a composition suitable as a biopesticide.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a culture of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 as deposited at DSMZ on 4 May 2006 and designated accession no. DSM 18238.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of a culture of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 to directly or indirectly obtain a biopesticide

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of a culture of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 as a biopesticide.

According to a eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of a culture of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 in the manufacture of a composition suitable as a biopesticide.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided a cellular extract obtained from Yersinia entomophaga MH96 as deposited at DSMZ on 4 May 2006 and designated accession no. DSM 18238 or a culture thereof.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of a cellular extract of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 to directly or indirectly obtain a biopesticide.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of a cellular extract of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 as a biopesticide.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of a cellular extract of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 in the manufacture of a composition suitable as a biopesticide.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a sonicated cell filtrate of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 as deposited at DSMZ on 4 May 2006 and designated accession no. DSM 18238 which has a biopesticide activity.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of a sonicated cell filtrate of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 to directly or indirectly obtain a biopesticide.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of a sonicated cell filtrate of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 as a biopesticide.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of a sonicated cell filtrate of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 in the manufacture of a composition suitable as a biopesticide.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a supernatant of a whole broth culture of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 as deposited at DSMZ on 4 May 2006 and designated accession no. DSM 18238.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of the supernatant of a whole broth culture of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 as a biopesticide.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of the supernatant of a whole broth culture of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 to directly or indirectly obtain a biopesticide.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of the supernatant of a whole broth culture of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 in the manufacture of a composition suitable as a biopesticide.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a composition that includes an effective amount of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 wherein said bacteria exhibits a biopesticide activity.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a composition formulated from an effective amount of a culture of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 wherein said culture exhibits a biopesticide activity.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a composition included an effective amount Yersinia entomophaga MH96, wherein Yersinia entomophaga MH96 has been killed as an intact form and maintains a biopesticide activity.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a composition formulated from an effective amount of a whole broth culture of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 wherein said whole broth culture exhibits a biopesticide activity.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a composition formulated from an effective amount of a supernatant of a whole broth culture of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 wherein the supernatant from the culture exhibits a biopesticide activity.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a composition formulated from an effective amount of a cellular extract of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 wherein said extract exhibits a biopesticide activity.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a composition formulated from an effective amount of a sonciated cell filtrate of Yersinia entomophaga MH96, wherein said extract exhibits a biopesticide activity.

Preferably, the composition may be formulated with at least one biopolymer compound. Preferably, at least one biopolymer compound is at least one type of gum compound.

Preferably, the composition may be formulated as a gel composition.

Preferably, the composition may be formulated with at least one biopolymer compound and at least one desiccating agent.

Preferably, the composition may be formulated with at least one type of gum compound and the at least one desiccating agent is at least one inert clay compound.

Preferably, the composition may be formulated as a dough or granular material.

Preferably, the composition may be formed into a prill or granule shape.

Preferably, the composition may be mixed with an aqueous liquid and sprayed onto a substrate. Other embodiments, the composition may be coated onto a substrate. Preferably, the substrate may be a seed.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of treating or protecting a plant and/or plant derived materials from pest infestation wherein the method comprises applying to the plant or its environment an effective amount of Yersinia entomophaga MH96.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method substantially as described above wherein the effective amount of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 is obtained from a culture of Yersinia entomophaga MH96.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method substantially as described above wherein the effective amount of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 is obtained from a supernatant from a whole broth culture of Yersinia entomophaga MH96.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of treating or protecting a plant or plant derived materials from pest infestation wherein the method comprises applying to the plant or its environment an effective amount of a cellular extract of Yersinia entomophaga MH96.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of treating or protecting a plant and/or plant derived materials from pest infestation wherein the method comprises applying to the plant or its environment an effective amount of a sonicated cell filtrate of Yersinia entomophaga MH96.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of treating or protecting a plant and/or plant derived from pest infestation wherein the method comprises applying to the plant or its environment a composition comprising an effective amount of Yersinia entomophaga MH96.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method substantially as described above wherein the effective amount of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 is obtained from a culture of Yersinia entomophaga MH96.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method substantially as described above wherein the effective amount of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 is obtained from a supernatant from a whole broth culture Yersinia entomophaga MH96.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of treating or protecting a plant and/or plant derived materials from pest infestation wherein the method comprises applying to the plant or its environment a composition comprising an effective amount of a cellular extract of Yersinia entomophaga MH96.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of treating or protecting a plant and/or plant derived materials from pest infestation wherein the method comprises applying to the plant or its environment a composition comprising an effective amount of a sonicated cell filtrate of Yersinia entomophaga MH96.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of controlling and/or preventing a pest infestation characterised by the step of applying a composition comprising an effective amount of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 to a surface.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method as claimed in claim 48, wherein the effective amount of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 is obtained from a culture of Yersinia entomophaga MH96.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method, as claimed in claim 48, wherein the effective amount of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 is obtained from a supernatant from a whole broth culture of Yersinia entomophaga MH96.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of controlling and/or preventing a pest infestation characterised by the step of applying a composition comprising an effective amount of a cellular extract of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 to a surface.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of controlling and/or preventing a pest infestation characterised by the step of applying a composition comprising an effective amount of a sonicated cell filtrate of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 to a surface.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of controlling and/or preventing a pest infestation characterised by the step of applying a composition as substantially described above, to a surface.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of an isolated Yersinia entomophaga MH96 bacterium deposited at DSMZ on 4 May 2006 and designated accession no. DSM 18238, or culture thereof, for use in the biopesticide activity against the insect species listed in Table 13 and/or the larvae thereof.

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that discovery by the inventors that Yersinia entomophaga MH96 has a biopesticide activity is of broad application.

Preferably, the biopesticide activity may be for the application against insect species listed in Table 13 and/or the larvae thereof.

As used herein the term “isolated” means removed from the natural environment in which the bacteria naturally occurs and is separated from some or all of the co-existing materials in the natural system from which the bacteria has been obtained.

As used herein the term “biopesticide” refers to a biologically derived substance having the ability to kill, or retard the growth of, insects and/or the larvae thereof.

In particular, a biopesticide of the present invention should be capable of retarding growth, or killing, one or more of the insect species listed in Table 13 and/or the larvae thereof. Most preferably, a biopesticide of the present invention should be capable of retarding the growth, or killing, at least one, but preferably all or most of the species listed in Table 13 and/or the larvae thereof.

As used herein the term “culture” refers to a population of bacteria together with the media in or on which the population was propagated (i.e. grown).

As used herein the term “whole broth culture” refers to a liquid media and the population of bacteria therein.

In preferred embodiments the broth may be Luria-Bertani broth. However, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that other suitable broths may be used.

As used herein the term “cellular extract” refers to a substance or mixture of substances obtained from a bacterial cell.

As used herein the term “sonicate” or grammatical variants thereof refers to subjecting a cell to ultrasonic vibrations in order to fragment the cell wall to release the contents of the cell.

It should be appreciated that the ‘cellular extract’ may be obtained in a variety of different ways, and may come in a variety of different forms without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In some embodiments the cellular extract may be a crude extract of the contents of the cell. In general the crude extract may be obtained via centrifugation of a whole broth culture re-suspended in a suitable buffer.

Such an extract may have been derived from Sonication; French press; Mantin gaulin press, bead basher, bead mill mincer osmotic lysis and enzyme related lysis as outlined in Scopes (1993); Doonan (1996) and Sambrook et al. (1989).

In other embodiments the cellular extract may be a freeze dried or a spray dried extract. In general, the freeze or spray dried extract may be obtained via any cellular extract which has also been subjected to a freeze-or spray drying process or alternate processes as outlined in Maa and Prestrelski (2000).

In preferred embodiments the cellular extract may be derived from the aforementioned methods via sonication; French press; Mantin gaulin press, bead basher, bead mill mincer osmotic lysis or enzyme related lysis.

In general the inventors have found that a supernatant having a biopesticide activity will be obtained when the organism is grown in Luria-Bertani broth at 25° C.

The term ‘plant’ refers to the plant in its entirety or a part thereof including selected portions of the plant during the plant life cycle such as the plant seeds, shoots, leaves, bark, pods, roots, flowers, stems and the like, including crop food and plant derived materials or parts thereof.

The term ‘plant derived materials’ refers to products that may be produced from a plant or part thereof. It will be appreciated that a person skilled in the art will know of various examples of plant derived products, such as hay, silage or other types of feed or products.

Compositions of the present invention may be formulated in a variety of different ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. In general the formulation chosen will be dependent on the end application. For example, possible formulations include, but should not be limited to:

-   -   Vectors such as the Trojan vector;     -   Matrixes;     -   Soluble powders;     -   Granules;     -   Micro encapsulation in a suitable medicine;     -   Aqueous suspensions;     -   Non-aqueous suspensions;     -   Emulsions;     -   Pastes;     -   Emulsifiable concentrations; or     -   Baits.

The present invention may preferably include formulations suitable for:

-   -   direct application to insect affected areas e.g. drench, spray         form;     -   suspended in a bait matrix;     -   slow release prills for subterranean applications; or     -   hydrophobic matrixes facilitating buoyancy for aquatic surface         filter feeders.

It will be appreciated that other suitable formulations and/or methods of preparing the formulations and/or compositions will be known to those skilled in the art. Examples of other such methods to stabiles or prepare a composition include the methods described in patent applications WO 02/15702 or WO 02/15703.

The term bait as used herein refers to any foodstuff or other attractant to an insect or larvae thereof which includes an effective amount of:

-   -   a) Yersinia entomophaga MH96; or     -   b) a mutant or variant strain of Yersinia entomophaga MH96; or     -   c) a derivative of a) or b).

The term ‘effective amount’ as used herein refers to a suitable quantity for a biopesticide activity to be exhibited.

The Yersinia entomophaga MH96 of the present invention produces a biopesticide which can be applied directly to surfaces where insects may contact such as artificial/cultural surfaces (e.g. milled wood, concrete, and urban dwellings); as well as in agricultural systems such as plant surfaces seed coats or matter of plant origin.

The present invention has application in both terrestrial and aquatic environments and may be applied in or on both soil and phylloplane or rhizospere systems.

Thus, preferred embodiments of the present invention may have a number of advantages over the prior art which can include:

-   -   providing a new biopesticide which has a broad efficacy across a         range of insects;     -   providing a new method for controlling insects; and     -   providing a new biopesticide which has a range of different         forms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a phylogenetic comparison of 16s ribosomal DNA of species within the genus Yersinia, using the program DNAML (Phylip suite) with default values, and with randomised input order (data from Kotetishvili et. al 2005; except for Yersinia entomophaga MH96);

FIG. 2 shows a phylogenetic comparison of 16s ribosomal DNA based on amplification of 190 bp from 16s ribosomal DNA; based on190 bp region analysed using the programme DNAman, tree created using the Neighbor-Joining method (Saitou and Nei, 1987, Mol. Biol. Ecol. 4:406-425);

FIG. 3 shows a phylogenetic comparison based on data from 428 bp of Y-HSP60 amplification, analysed using the programme DNAman, tree created using the Neighbor-Joining method (Saitou and Nei, 1987, Mol. Biol. Ecol. 4:406-425) (data from Kotetishvili et. al 2005; except for Yersinia entomophaga MH96);

FIG. 4 shows a phylogenetic comparison based on data from glyA amplification, analysed using the programme DNAman, tree created using the Neighbor-Joining method (Saitou and Nei, 1987, Mol. Biol. Ecol, 4:406-425) (data from Kotetishvili et. al 2005; except for Yersinia entomophaga MH96);

FIG. 5 shows a phylogenetic comparison based on data from amplification of 394 bp from recA, analysed using the programme DNAman, tree created using the Neighbor-Joining method (Saitou and Nei, 1987, Mol. Biol. Ecol. 4:406-425) (data from Kotetishvili et. al 2005; except for Yersinia entomophaga MH96);

FIG. 6 shows a phylogenetic comparison based on data from gyrB amplification, analysed using the programme DNAman, tree created using the Neighbor-Joining method (Saitou and Nei, 1987, Mol. Biol. Ecol. 4:406-425) (data from Kotetishvili et, al 2005; except for Yersinia entomophaga MH96);

FIG. 7 shows a phylogenetic comparison based on data from amplification of 1765 bp assembled fragments, using the programme MrBayes v3.1.2 and trees viewed using TreeView (data from Kotetishvili et. al 2005; except for Yersinia entomophaga MH96);

FIG. 8 shows a phylogenetic comparison based on data from amplification of GlnA, GyrB, RecA, Y-hsp60 (1,525 base) assembled fragments, analysed using a maximum likelihood tree using DNAML from the Phylip package (data from Kotetishvili et. al 2005; except for Yersinia entomophaga MH96);

FIG. 9 shows clover seedlings cut to approximately 10 mm, and Kibbled wheat baits can be seen on the surface of the potting mix;

FIG. 10 shows clover plants at day 12, container A had four plants destroyed by Wiseana spp. larvae feeding, while all the plants survived in the container B on the right; and

FIG. 11 shows Tunnel house temperature over the duration of the bioassay.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Discovery

During routine prefeeding assays of grass grub larvae that had been collected from various field locations throughout the South Island of New Zealand, larvae that appeared diseased were put aside and assessed for the presence of a causative bacterial agent.

Larvae were surface sterilized by submerging in 70% methanol. The larvae were then shaken in sterile DH₂O, removed and blotted dry. A 10 μl pipette tip was inserted through the back of the larvae breeching the haemocoelic cavity, an aliquot withdrawn and serial diluted in Luria Bertini broth. The diluent was plated on non-selective Luria Bertina media and incubated at 30° C. Morphologically different isolates were purified, and accessed for virulence by standard bioassay.

EXAMPLE 1 Physiological and Metabolic Characterisation

Gram Negative Rod

Growth in LB media with subsequent plating, shows that two colony forms are apparent these are:

-   -   i) convex circular     -   ii) dimpled circular

However, if the colonies are allowed to grow to over 3-4 days all colonies have exhibit a convex circular form indicative that the dimpled circular form is growth stage dependant

The bacteria exhibits growth retardation if grown at 37° C.

The bacteria form large flocs of bacterial cells in the RSYE culture grown at 37° C. just prior to 6 hours at 250 rpm.

Dilution plated samples taken at 48 and 72 hours required longer incubation at 30° C. before colonies were visible and able to be counted.

The colonies are positive on DNAase plates within 24 hours (O'Callaghan and Jackson 1993).

TABLE 1 ASSILMIATION TESTS AND RESULTS Test Result Gram stain negative Oxidase negative Glucose acid positive API 20E 1-307-160 No match DNAase weak positive

The strains were tested using a commercial bacterial identification system API, bio-Merieux. Results are shown in Table 2 below.

Carbon source utilisation tests were done by using API strips (API system, La Balme les Grottes, France)

TABLE 2 Testing results from AP1 bacterial identification system API Y. entomophaga ONPG (beta-galactosidase) + ADH (arginine dehydrolase) − (weak) LDC (lysine decarboxylase) − ODC (orthinine decarboxylase) + CIT (citrate utilisation) + H₂S (H₂S production) − URE (urease) − TDA (tryptophane desaminase) − IND (indole production) − VP (acetoin production) + GEL (gelatinase) + GLU (glucose fermentation) + MAN (mannitol fermentation) + INO (inositol fermentation) − SOR (sorbitol fermentation) − RHA (rhamnose fermentation) − SAC (sucrose fermentation) + MEL (melibiose fermentation) + AMY (amygdalin fermentation) − ARA (arabinose fermentation) − OX (oxidase) − DNAse + glycerol + erythritol − D-arabinose − L-arabinose − ribose + D-xylose − L-xylose − adonitol − β methyl-xyloside − galactose + D-glucose + D-fructose + D-mannose + L-sorbose − Rhamnose − Dulcitol − inositol − mannitol + Sorbitol − α methyl-D-mannoside − α methyl-D-glucoside − N acetyl glucosamine + amygdaline − arbutine − esculine − salicine − cellobiose ? maltose + lactose ? melibiose + saccharose + trehalose + inuline − melezitose − D-raffinose + amidon − glycogene − xylitol − β gentiobiose − D-turanose − D-lyxose − D-tagatose − D-fucose − D-arabitol − L-arabitol − gluconate ? 2 ceto-gluconate − 5 ceto-gluconate ? score api 50 = +24 hours (ATCC cultures >48 hrs). ? denotes inconclusive result.

TABLE 3 AGAR phenotypes of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 grown on various commercially supplied agar (Fort Richards) bacteria grown for 24 hours at 30° C. Plate media Phenology Orientation agar purple XLD agar orange slight yellow halo Col sheep blood no lysis Col horse blood no lysis Violet red bile agar growth Brilliant green agar modified yellow PFA agar no growth Dermatophte test medium turquoise Chocolate sens matt rhizoid morphology Cetrimide agar no growth but very slight after 48 hours Bismuth sulphite agar dark green Macconkey agar w/d cv orangly matt rhizoid morphology Haemin agar no lysis Brilliant green agar light green tinge rhizoid growth Thayer martin agar no growth

EXAMPLE 2 Genetic Identification

DNA-DNA Hybridization

DNA-DNA hybridization was determined at the Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen, Braunschweig, Germany and carried out as described by De Ley of al. (1970) under consideration of the modifications described by Huss et al. (1983) using a model Cary 100 Bio UV/VIS-spectrophotometer equipped with a Peltier-thermostatted 6×6 multicell changer and a temperature controller with in-situ temperature probe (Varian). DNA-DNA relatedness was tested at 70° C. in 2×SSC plus 10% (v/v) DMSO

TABLE 4 % DNA-DNA similarity (in 2 X SSC at 70° C.) “Y. entomophaga MH96” DSM 18238 (ID 06-840) Yersinia pseudotuberculosis DSM 8992^(T) 23.0 (19.7) (ID 06-841) Yersinia ruckeri DSM 18506^(T) 45.6 (52.1) (ID 06-842) Yersinia intermedia DSM 18517^(T) 0.82 (2.15) (ID 06-843)

Results derived indicate that Y. entomophaga MH96 DSM 18238 (ID 06-840) does neither belong to the species Y. pseudotuberculosis DSM 8992^(T) (ID 06-841) nor to the species Y. ruckeri DSM 18506^(T) (ID 06-842) and nor to the species Y. intermedia DSM 18517^(T) (ID 06-843) when the recommendations of a threshold value of 70% DNA-DNA similarity for the definition of bacterial species by the ad hoc committee (Wayne of al., 1987) are considered.

DNA G+C Content

The DNA G+C content of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 DSM 18238 (ID 06-840): was determined at the Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen, Braunschweig, Germany according to the method of Mesbah et al. (1989) and as three independent measurements. Cells were disrupted using a French pressure cell and the DNA was purified according to the procedure of Cashion et al. (1977) and degraded as described by Mesbah et al. (1989) and assessed by HPLC system (Shimadzu Corp. Japan). Using this method the The DNA G+C content of Y. entomophaga” MH96 DSM 18238 (ID 06-840): was at 49.3 mol % G+C These estimates are within the accepted limits for the genus Yersinia of 46-50 mol % (Bercovier & Mollaret, 1984.).

Plasmid Visualisation

Plasmid visualisation by method of Kado and Lui (1981) showed that no extra-chromosomal elements such as plasmids were present.

Purification of Genomic DNA

Genomic DNA for rRNA sequencing was isolated by a modified method of Cathala G et al, (1983). A 1.5 ml O/N culture was pelletted, and resuspended in 500 μl of lysis solution (5M guanidine isothiocyanate, 10 mM EDTA, 50 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.5), 8% mercaptoethanol). An equal volume of phenol:chloroform was added, the tube inverted several times and centrifuged at 13000 g for 15 minutes. The upper layer removed to a new eppendorf and ethanol precipitated. To remove residual Guandium and other inhibitory compounds, the resultant pellet was air dried and resuspended in 500 μl of DH₂O, placed in a 37° C. water bath, and intermittently agitated for 1-2 hours. The solution was then re-ethanol precipitated and resuspended in 50 μl DH₂0

rRNA PCR

Closely related strains identified by API were obtained from the American Type Culture Collection, Md., and included the Enterobacter sakazakii strains ATCC29004 and ATCC51329.

The 16S gene was amplified with primers as shown in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Primers used to amplify 16 s rRNA U16a AGA GTT TGA TCC TGG CTC U16b TAC GGY TAC CTT GTT ACG ACT T UB16 A2 GCC GCG GTA AT ACG GAG G U16B2 AGG ATA AGG GTT TGC GCT CCG

PCR

94oc 15s 60° C.(30s) 62oC(2′)×5 cycles

94oc 15s 57° C.(30s) 62oC(2′)×40 cycles

PCR template was sequenced using automated sequencing and an Applied Biosystem 373A or 377 autosequencer. Sequence data was assembled using SEQMAN. The database at the National Centre for Biotechnology Information was searched using BLASTN and the WWW. Nucleotide sequence accession numbers. The sequences determined in this study have been assigned the GenBank accession numbers DQ400713-DQ400845.

rDNA SEQUENCE COMPARISON

Table 6 below shows 16s comparison based on 1428 bp and compared with GenBank sequences:

TABLE 6 16 s comparison based on 1428 bp and compared with GenBank sequences. Genbank accession Genus, species Accession number and strain Reference/author date AF366385 Yersinia ruckeri Kim, W., Song, M.-O., Song, W., 8 MAY 2001 Chung, S.-I., Choi, C.-S. and Park, Y.-H. AB004746 Enterobacter sakazakii Harada, H. 25 JUL. 1997 (strain: JCM1233) RAU90757 Rahnella aquatilis Brenner, D. J., Muller, H. E., 15 APR. 1998 Steigerwalt, A. G., Whitney, A. M., O'Hara, C. M. and Kampfer, P. (1998) Two new Rahnella genomospecies that cannot be phenotypically differentiated from Rahnella aquatilis. Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 48 Pt 1, 141-149 YEN16SA Y. enterocolitica Harmsen, D. 27 JUN. 1996 (strain O:3 108 c) AF366384 Yersinia rohdei 16S Kim, W., Song, M.-O., Song, W., 8 MAY 2001 Chung, S.-I., Choi, C.-S. and Park, Y.-H. S000001663 Yersinia Harmsen, D. W., Schmelz, J. F. 30 JUL. 1996 pseudotuberculosis; and Heesemann, J. Serotype III 1B1 B28 (W.W.) S000001661 Yersinia Ibrahim, A., Goebel, B. M., 12 JUN. 1995 enterocolitica; Liesack, W., Griffiths, M. and ER-26036-92; Stackebrandt, E. serotype O:3 (1993) The phylogeny of the genus Yersinia based on 16S rDNA sequences. FEMS Microbiol. Lett. 114 (2), 173-177 S000004821 Yersinia Kim, W., Song. M.-O., Song, W., 17 MAY 2001 pseudotuberculosis Chung, S.-I., Choi, C.-S. and Park, Y.-H. S000004821 Yersinia Kim, W., Song, M.-O., Song, W., 17 MAY 2001 pseudotuberculosis Chung, S.-I., Choi, C.-S. and 83 Park, Y.-H. S000003234 Yersinia rohdei (T); Kim, W., Song, M.-O., Song, W., 8 MAY 2001 ATCC 43380 Chung, S.-I., Choi, C.-S. and Park, Y.-H. YS17B16S Yersinia sp. (isolate Ibrahim, A., Liesack, W., 17 FEB. 1997 YEM17B Steigerwalt, A. G., Brenner, D. J., Stackebrandt, E. and Robins- Browne, R. M. (1997) A cluster of atypical Yersinia strains with a distinctive 16S rRNA signature FEMS Microbiol. Lett. 146 (1), 73-78 YPD16SRN Yersinia pestis Ibrahim, A., Goebel, B. M., 27 MAY 2000 (D-28) Liesack, W., Griffiths, M. and Stackebrandt, E. (1993) The phylogeny of the genus Yersinia based on 16S rDNA sequences. FEMS Microbiol. Lett. 114 (2), 173-177 AJ414156 Yersinia pestis CO9 YPE16SA Y. pestis (strain EV Harmsen, D. pst+ c) YEPRGD Yersinia pestis Wilson, K. H. and Hills, H. G. 19 JAN. 1995 AF365949 Yersinia Kim, W., Song, M.-O., Song, W., 17 MAY 2001 pseudotuberculosis Chung, S.-I., Choi, C.-S. and strain 6088 Park, Y.-H. YR16SRN Yersinia rohdei Ibrahim, A., Goebel, B. M., 27 MAY 2000 (ER-2935) Liesack, W., Griffiths, M. and Stackebrandt, E. (1993) The phylogeny of the genus Yersinia based on 16S rDNA sequences. FEMS Microbiol. Lett. 114 (2), 173-177 YK16SRRN Yersinia kristensenii Ibrahim, A., Goebel, B. M., 27 MAY 2000 (ER-2812) Liesack, W., Griffiths, M. and kristensenii 2 Stackebrandt, E. (1993) The phylogeny of the genus Yersinia based on 16S rDNA sequences. FEMS Microbiol. Lett. 114 (2), 173-177 AF366381 Yersinia kristensenii Kim, W., Song, M.-O., Song, W., 8 MAY 2001 Chung, S.-I., Choi, C.-S. and Park, Y.-H. AF366382 Yersinia mollaretii Kim, W., Song, M.-O., Song, W., 8 MAY 2001 Yersinia mollaretii2 Chung, S.-I., Choi, C.-S. and Park, Y.-H. YM16SRRN Yersinia mollaretii Ibrahim, A., Goebel, B. M., 27 MAY 2000 (ER-2975) Liesack, W., Griffiths, M. and Stackebrandt, E. (1993) The phylogeny of the genus Yersinia based on 16S rDNA sequences. FEMS Microbiol. Lett. 114 (2), 173-177 AF366379 Yersinia Kim, W., Song, M.-O., Song, W., 8 MAY 2001 frederiksenii Chung, S.-I., Choi, C.-S. and Park, Y.-H. AF366380 Yersinia intermedia Kim, W., Song, M.-O., Song, W., 8 MAY 2001 Chung, S.-I., Choi, C.-S. and Park, Y.-H. AF366376 Yersinia aldovae Kim, W., Song, M.-O., Song, W., 8 MAY 2001 Chung, S.-I., Choi, C.-S. and Park, Y.-H. YB16SRRN Yersinia bercovieri Ibrahim, A., Goebel, B. M., 27 MAY 2000 Yersinia bercovieri 1 Liesack, W., Griffiths, M. and Stackebrandt, E. (1993) The phylogeny of the genus Yersinia based on 16S rDNA sequences. FEMS Microbiol. Lett. 114 (2), 173-177 AF366377 Yersinia bercovieri Kim, W., Song, M.-O., Song, W., 8 MAY 2001 Chung, S.-I., Choi, C.-S. and Park, Y.-H.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, using 16s rRNA sequences Y. entomophaga aligns with atypical strains of Y. frederiksenii (FIG. 1) or Y. kristensenii (FIG. 2—190 bp).

TABLE 7 Multi locus sequence tagging (MLST) Primers used for MLST of the Yersinia species (Derived from Kotetishvili et al. 2005), Accession number Gene Primers (5′→3′) and Results 16S rDNA AGTTTGATCATGGCTCAG DQ400782FIG. 1 TTACCGCGGCTGCTGGCA and 2 GlnA CGATTGGTGGCTGGAAAG D0400780FIG. 4 GCTTGGTCATRGTRTTGA AGCG GyrB CGGCGGTTTGCAYGGYGT DQ400781FIG. 6 RGGCAGSGTRCGRGTCAT YGCCG recA GGGCCAAATTGAAAARCA DQ400835FIG. 5 RTTCGGCGCCRATYTTCA TRCGRATYTGGT Y-HSP60 GACGTNGTAGAAGGTATG DQ400829FIG. 3 YAGCGCCGCCAGCCAGTT TAGC

MLST analysis, based on primer sequences as above in Table 7, in conjunction and analysis of random genomic sequence analysis (Results shown in FIGS. 3-8 of phylogenetic comparison of sequences from the above genes), indicates that Yersinia entomophaga MH96 is a new species residing within the genera Yersinia. A presumptive name foe the new species would be Yersinia entomophaga MH96 (as it eats insects)

Random Genomic Sequencing of Yersinia Entomophaga MH96

To further help define what species Yersinia entomophaga MH96 is, genomic DNA of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 was made and digested using the restriction enzymes HindIII; EcoRI and PstI in independent reactions. The digested DNA was then ligated to the vector DNA (pUC19) digested with the aforementioned enzymes. Using this method approximately 132 independent random HindIII; PstI; or EcoRI; clones were constructed. Using the pUC19 M13F and M13R based primers DNA from the clones was sequenced. The DNA sequence data has been deposited under the GenBank accession number (DQ400713-DQ400845). This data have enabled the generation of random snap shots of the Yersinia entomophaga MH96 genome and shown that many genes have greater than 90% DNA similarity to the DNA of Yersinia pestis. While other DNA remains at this point in time novel scoring no apparent similarity to DNA I the current database

The DNA nucleotide sequence of 132 random Y/ entomophaga sequences have been submitted to GenBank and assigned the numbers DQ400713-DQ400845

EXAMPLE 3 Culture Conditions

Yersinia entomophaga MH96 can be grown in LB broth or on LB agar (Sambrook and Russell, 2001) or any alternate common laboratory media as yet no defined media for the isolation of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 has been defined, optimum growth for Yersinia entomophaga MH96 is 25° C.-30° C. Cultures were incubated at 200 rpm in a Raytek orbital mixer incubator.

Crude Toxin Isolation Using Cell Lysis Such as Sonication

From a 3 ml overnight culture pellet by centrifugation (8,000 g 3 minutes) resuspended in 1.0 ml of 1.5 ml phosphate buffer (10 mM phosphate buffer, pH 7.4; 2.7 mM KCl; 137 mM NaCl), two 0.7 ml samples were transferred to an eppendorf and subjected to three 30s rounds of sonication on wet ice using a Sanyo soniprep 150 sonicater (18Ω). The sonicated samples were centrifuged (16,000 g) and the supernatant filter sterilised through a 0.2 μm filter to a sterile eppendorf. The filtrate's were placed on wet ice and used immediately for bioassay analysis. The efficacy of the lysate was assessed by the oral injection of 5 μl of filtrate sample through the larval mouth parts or the application of 5 μl of filtrate sample to the surface of a 3 mm³ carrot from which the grass grub larvae would feed. Under these conditions toxins can be visualised on a standard Laemmli SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The toxins have activity only if the bacterium is subjected to sonication. Bioassays of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 culture supernatant show no effect (refer Table 8-12).

Crude Toxin Isolation Via Y. Entomophaga MH96 Grown at 25° C.

Induction and Purification of Y. Entomophaga MH96 Toxin

From an overnight culture grown at 25° C. Bacterial debris was removed by centrifugation (30 min; 12000 g; 4° C.) and the supernatant filter sterilised through a 0.2 μm filter to a sterile eppendorf.

Standard Bioassay

Healthy feeding larvae, collected from the field, were individually fed squares of carrot which had been rolled in colonies of putative pathogenic bacteria that had grown overnight on solid media. Twelve second or third instar larvae were used for each treatment. Inoculated larvae were maintained at 15° C., in ice-cube trays. Larvae were left feeding on treated carrot for 3-4 days, then transferred to fresh trays and re-fed with untreated carrot for up to 10-14 days and signs of disease noted.

Dose Response Assay

An overnight culture of bacteria was grown, and a dilution series set up in phosphate buffer. Five μl of each dilution were inoculated onto pre air dried carrot cubes measuring approximately 3 mm³. Grass grub were placed into each of the trays cubicles, and results monitored as previously described under standard bioassay.

Experimental Protocols

Testing of Yersinia Entomophaga MH96 on the Diamond Backed Moth (DBM).

The bioassay of efficacy of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 live cells and the toxic proteins from Yersinia entomophaga MH96 was tested on the Diamond Backed Moth (DBM).

Five fractions of the bacterial culture tested:

-   -   1. Live cell broth; 1 ml freshly cultured broth used.     -   2. Concentrated live cells. 10 ml of broth centrifuged at 8000         rpm for 8 min, the resulting pellet harvested, and resupended in         1 ml of PB;     -   3. Resuspended live cells. 1 ml broth centrifuged at 8000 rpm         for 8 min, the resulting pellet harvested and cells resuspended         in equal volume of PB;     -   4. Heat killed broth. 1 ml broth subjected to boiling water for         10 min; broth plated out in LB plate to confirm if any live         cells.     -   5. Sterile filtrate broth. 10 ml broth centrifuged at 8000 rpm         for 8 min, the resulting pellet harvested, resuspended in 1 ml         PB, then sonicated and centrifuged at 1300 rpm, 5 min; the         supernatant harvested. Supernatant plated out in LB plate to         confirm if any live cells.

All fractions mixed with 0.2% Tween 80 as emulsifier. LB broth and PB plus 0.2% Tween 80 used as controls.

Assessment: Leaf Disc Method.

-   -   1. The 2^(nd) to 4^(th) instars collected from plants and place         in a container supplied with cabbage leaves. If not enough for         an experiment, larvae stored in fridge for an extended 2 to 3         day period until further collections.     -   2. Larvae transferred to clean or sterile Petri dishes         containing no cabbage leaves by a sterile fine art brush at         least 4 h prior to being exposed to treatments to ensure         sufficient uptake of bacteria and the fractions tested.     -   3. Leaf discs (1.0 cm in diameter) punctured from tender leaves         of cabbage seedlings, and stored in a Petri dish containing a         small piece of wet tissue     -   4. Using freshly flame sterilized soft tweezers transfer the         leaf discs individually into the wells of plates, with the upper         surface of the leaves upward.     -   5. 5 μl of test suspension pipetted onto the upper surface of         the leaf disc and spread with a sterile glass rob or         homogenizer.     -   6. Larvae transferred individually onto a leaf disc with alcohol         sterilized fine art brushes carefully. All larvae used for a         treatment pooled in a plate covered by parafilm to prevent         larval escaping from wells.     -   7. Recode the developmental stage of each larva.     -   8. Plates sealed in plastic bags and held at 15C under 14:10         (L:D) h photoperiod.     -   9. Leaf discs renewed daily using the method above. Mortality         monitored within 5 d post-inoculation.     -   8-12 larvae tested for each treatment, Experiments carried out         three replications.

SUMMARY

Pathogenicity of Bacteria Yersinia Entomophaga MH96 to Diamond Back Moth, Plutella Xylostella (L.)

Laboratory Bioassay of Yersinia Entomophaga MH96 Toxicity to DBM Larvae

Determination of Active Fractions

TABLE 8 Effect of the culture broth fractions of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 on the mortality of diamond back moth larvae No. larvae No. dead Mortality Mean Fraction Rep* tested larvae (%) (%) Live cell broth 1 10 10 100.0 100.0 2 12 12 100.0 3 12 12 100.0 4 12 12 100.0 Resuspended live 1 10 10 100.0 95.8 cells 2 12 11 91.7 3 12 12 100.0 4 12 11 91.7 Heat killed broth 1 10 2 20.0 7.1 2 12 0 0.0 3 12 0 0.0 4 12 1 8.3 Sonicated cell 1 10 10 100.0 95.8 filtrate 2 12 12 100.0 3 12 11 91.7 4 12 11 91.7 Broth supernatant 1 10 0 0.0 0.0 2 12 0 0.0 3 12 0 0.0 4 12 0 0.0 Control 1 (PBS) 1 10 2 20.0 5.0 2 12 0 0.0 3 12 0 0.0 4 12 0 0.0 Control 2 (LB 1 10 1 10.0 2.5 broth) 2 12 0 0.0 3 12 0 0.0 4 12 0 0.0 Screenings of LD₅₀ of active fractions Live cell broth

TABLE 9 Effect of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 dose on the mortality of diamond back moth larvae. Dilution No. No. No. series Dose larvae dead dead Mortality Mean tested Rep (cells/cm²) tested larvae pupae (%) (%) 10⁰   1 28000000 12 12 0 100.0 94.4 2 21000000 12 11 0 91.7 3 31000000 12 11 0 91.7 10⁻¹ 1 2800000 12 8 2 83.3 88.9 2 2100000 12 10 0 83.3 3 3100000 12 12 0 100.0 10⁻² 1 280000 12 9 0 75.0 83.3 2 210000 12 7 3 83.3 3 310000 12 9 2 91.7 10⁻³ 1 28000 12 7 0 58.3 58.3 2 21000 12 4 1 41.7 3 31000 12 6 3 75.0 10⁻⁴ 1 2800 12 5 3 66.7 52.8 2 2100 12 5 2 58.3 3 3100 12 2 2 33.3 10⁻⁵ 1 280 12 6 1 58.3 38.9 2 210 12 2 2 33.3 3 310 12 1 2 25.0 Control 1 0 12 0 0 0.0 0.0 2 0 12 0 0 0.0 3 0 12 0 0 0.0 Sonicated call filtrate

TABLE 10 Effect of the sonicated cell filtrate concentration of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 on mortality of diamond back moth larvae. No No No larvae dead dead Mortality Mean Concentration Rep tested larvae pupae (%) (%) 100% 1 12 11 0 91.7 91.7 2 12 11 0 91.7 3 12 10 1 91.7  50% 1 12 6 1 58.3 80.6 2 12 11 0 91.7 3 12 11 0 91.7  20% 1 12 9 0 75.0 75.0 2 12 9 0 75.0 3 12 7 2 75.0  10% 1 12 5 0 41.7 58.3 2 12 7 0 58.3 3 12 8 1 75.0  2% 1 12 2 0 16.7 30.6 2 12 3 0 25.0 3 12 5 1 50.0  1% 1 12 0 0 0.0 2.8 2 12 0 0 0.0 3 12 1 0 8.3 Control 1 12 0 0 0.0 0.0 2 12 0 0 0.0 3 12 0 0 0.0 Screenings of stability of active fractions Live cell broth

TABLE 11 Effect of ambient temperature and length of storage period on toxicity of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 live cells to DBM larvae No larvae No dead Mortality Mean Treatment Rep tested larvae (%) (%) 0 d (Fresh 1 12 11 91.7 83.3 culture) 2 12 10 83.3 3 12 9 75.0 1 d, 20° C. 1 12 12 100.0 86.1 2 12 10 83.3 3 12 9 75.0 7 d, 20° C. 1 12 10 83.3 77.8 2 12 11 91.7 3 12 7 58.3 1 d, 4° C. 1 12 8 66.7 63.9 2 12 7 58.3 3 12 8 66.7 7 d, 4° C. 1 12 10 83.3 88.9 2 12 11 91.7 3 12 11 91.7 Control 1 12 0 0.0 5.6 2 12 1 8.3 3 12 1 8.3 Sonicated cell filtrate

TABLE 12 Effect of temperature and length of storage period on toxicity of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 sonicated cell filtrate to DBM larvae No larvae No dead Mortality Mean Treatment Rep tested larvae (%) (%) 0 d (Fresh 1 12 12 100.0 88.9 culture) 2 12 9 75.0 3 12 11 91.7 1 d, 20° C. 1 12 11 91.7 86.1 2 12 9 75.0 3 12 11 91.7 7 d, 20° C. 1 12 12 100.0 91.7 2 12 10 83.3 3 12 11 91.7 1 d, 4° C. 1 12 8 66.7 66.7 2 12 9 75.0 3 12 7 58.3 7 d, 4° C. 1 12 11 91.7 77.8 2 12 8 66.7 3 12 9 75.0 Control 1 12 1 8.3 5.6 2 12 0 0.0 3 12 1 8.3

Bait Formulation of Yersinia Entomophaga MH96 Against 7^(TH)-8^(TH) Instar Wiseana SP Larvae

Experiment 1

Method

Wiseana spp. larvae (most likely W. copularis based on size and flight times of moths in January) were collected from pasture on Taieri Plain. The moths were housed in 60 ml specimen containers three quarters filled with ground pine bark (<2 mm) to which were added white clover (Trifolium repens var. Huia) leaves as food. This food was changed every 3-4 days and the larvae moved to fresh containers after three weeks and again one day prior to the commencement of the bioassay.

For the bioassay, ten larvae were randomly allocated to be given Yersinia entomophaga MH96 kibbled wheat baits and ten allocated as controls. Those larvae in the Yersinia entomophaga MH96 treatment were given approximately ½ teaspoon of kibbled wheat (8-12 grains) while the control larvae continued to be given clover leaves. Larval survival and feeding was assessed after five days and again at ten days. Surviving larvae were fed again after five days according to treatment.

Results

After five days, six of the Wiseana spp. larvae given Yersinia entomophaga MH96 were dead while all the control larvae were alive and apparently healthy. After ten days all larvae given Yersinia entomophaga MH96 had died and all control larvae were alive. On both occasions the larvae given kibbled wheat had taken it into their burrows and signs of feeding were evident.

Conclusion

Yersinia entomophaga MH96 treated kibbled wheat was associated with the deaths of Wiseana spp. larvae.

Experiment 2

Introduction

The earlier laboratory bioassay in Experiment 1 above showed that the Yersinia entomophaga MH96 treatment caused mortality of large and small Wiseana spp larvae. However these bioassays were carried out using treated kibbled wheat where no alternative food source for the larvae was available, as the larvae were exposed to the baits and in small 60 ml specimen containers. Therefore, the current experiment was aimed to test the effectiveness of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 treatment under a more realistic situation where the larvae had an alternative food supply and could more easily avoid contact with the baits.

Method

Ten containers with transparent acrylic sides and measuring 500(1)×300(w)×300(h) mm (FIG. 9) were filled to a depth of 150 mm with fine (<3 mm) pine bark. A 30-40 mm layer of Yates™ potting mix was applied over the bark surface. Twelve Trifolium repens seedlings were planted into each of the ten containers and allowed to establish. The seedlings were held in a white shade-cloth covered tunnel house at ambient air temperature which was measured by two “Tiny Tag” temperature data loggers. Five days after planting, ten final instar stage Wiseana spp. larvae collected and placed in each container.

At 14 days after planting, the seedlings were cut to approximately 10 mm high (FIG. 9). Yersinia entomophaga MH96 broadcast kibbled wheat baits where applied to the surface of five of the containers at a rate equivalent to 50kg baits/ha (0.83 g/container). The remaining five containers were untreated (controls).

The clover plants were assessed for survival 12 days after the application of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 broadcast kibbled wheat baits. A second application of bait was made 13 days after the first application and plant survival assessed again 25 days after the initial application. The plants were harvested (cut to “ground” level) two days later and dried at 80° C. overnight to assess dry matter production over the duration of the experiment. The containers were also broken down at this time and the potting mix/bark searched for Wiseana spp. larvae. The data were analysed by one way analyses of variance with no blocking (Genstat version 8).

Results

Although Wiseana spp. larvae destroyed some plants (Table 13, and FIG. 10) overall there were few differences in plant survival between treatments or assessment times. Plant survival was higher on both occasions in the containers treated with the bait, but this difference was not significant (Table 13 (P<0.13, P<0.08, first and second assessments respectively)).

There was no difference in clover production between the baited treatment and the control treatments (Table 13 (P<0.54)). Although survival of larvae was significantly higher in the control containers compared to those treated with the bait. (Table 13 (P<0.001)) it is probable that the warm temperatures and high nutrient status of the potting mix allowed the clover plants in those containers with high numbers of larvae to outgrow and compensate for the affects of larvae feeding.

The Wiseana spp larvae survival in the control containers was approximately 46%, and is considered to be satisfactory for field collected larvae and average density in these containers equated to 31 larvae/m². This would be a moderate field density but the vegetation within the containers was sparse relative to pasture. The reduction in larvae numbers associated with the Yersinia entomophaga MH96 application was approximately 78%.

TABLE 13 Plant survival and production and Wiseana spp larvae survival (mean) over the duration of the bioassay. No plants No plants Dry Matter (g) Live Larvae Day 12 Day 25 Day 27 Day 27 Bait 11.6 11.6 11.2 1.0 Treatment Control 10.2 10.2 10.3 4.6 SED 0.8 0.7 1.3 0.5

The average temperature within the tunnel house during the bioassay was 10° C. but ranged from 0 to 32° C. (see FIG. 11). This was higher than usual outside air temperatures for this time of year and may have affected larvae activity and plant growth.

Examples of other Susceptible Invertebrate Species

Table 13 below summaries a list of various other invertebrate species, including the DBM and Wiseana spp tested for susceptibility to whole Yersinia entomophaga MH96 cells,

TABLE 13 Summary of the susceptibility of invertebrates to Yersinia entomophaga MH96. Develop- mental Insect Class: Family stage Pathogenic? Lepidoptera Diamondback moth Lepidoptera: 1st-4^(th) yes Plutella xylostella instar larvae Porina Lepidoptera: larvae yes Wiseana copularis Heplidae Cotton bollworm Lepidoptera: larvae yes Helicoverpa amigera Greater wax moth Lepidoptera: larvae yes Galleria mellonella Galleriidae Painted apple moth Lepidoptera: larvae yes Teia anartoides Lymantriidae Greenheaded leafroller Lepidoptera: larvae yes Planotortrix notophaea Tortricidae Greenheaded leafroller Lepidoptera: larvae yes Planotortrix excessana Tortricidae Lightbrown apple moth Lepidoptera: larvae yes Epiphyas postvittana Tortricidae Brownheaded leafroller Lepidoptera: larvae yes Ctenoptusis spp. Tortricidae Pieris rapae Lepidoptera: larvae yes white butterfly ?Pieridae Coleoptera New Zealand grass grub Coleoptera: larvae yes Costelytra zealandica Scarabaeidae Red headed cockchafer Coleoptera: larvae yes Adoryphorus couloni Scarabaeidae Tasmania grass grub Coleoptera: larvae yes Acrossidius tasmaniae Scarabaeidae Pericoptus truncatus Coleoptera: larvae (yes) Sand scarab Scarabaeidae Chafer beetles? Coleoptera: larvae (yes) Odontria sp. Scarabaeidae Bark beetle Coleoptera: adults partial Hylastes ater Scolytidae Black vine weevil Coleoptera: larvae yes Otiorhynchus sulcatus Curculionidae Clover root weevil (CRW) Coleoptera: adult yes Sitona lepidus Curculionidae Argentine stem weevil (ASW) Coleoptera: adult adult- partial Listronotus bonariensis Curculionidae Hymenoptera Darwin's ant Hymenoptera: nest yes Doleromyrma darwiniana Formicidae Vespula vulgaris Hymenoptera: larvae yes Common wasps Vespidae Orthoptera Locusts Orthoptera: neonates yes Locusta migratoria older yes instar Diptera root lesion nematode Nematoda slight Pratylenchus penetrans

It would be appreciated that the present invention provides a new biopesticide or method for controlling insects which has a broad efficacy across a range of insects, and providing a new biopesticide in a range of different forms.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

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What we claim is:
 1. A method of treating a plant or a seed for an insect pest infestation comprising applying to the plant or seed, a biopesticide composition comprising at least one of the following: a) a biopesticide effective amount of isolated live Yersinia entomophaga MH96 obtained from a culture of Yersinia entomophaga MH96; b) a biopesticide effective amount of cellular extract of Yersinia entomophaga MH96; or c) a biopesticide effective amount of whole broth culture of live Yersinia entomophaga MH96; wherein said Yersinia entomophaga MH96 is the bacterium deposited at DSMZ on 4 May 2006 and designated accession no. DSM
 18238. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the biopesticide composition applied to the plant or the seed comprises a dose of live Yersinia entomophaga MH96 of 2100 to 31,000,000 cells per cm².
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said applying comprises coating a portion of a seed with the biopesticide composition.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said applying comprises spraying a portion of a plant with the biopesticide composition.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the biopesticide composition is formulated with at least one biopolymer compound.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the biopolymer compound comprises a gum compound.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the biopesticide composition comprises a gel.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the biopesticide composition comprises at least one biopolymer compound and at least one desiccating agent.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises a gum compound and an inert clay compound.
 10. A method of treating a plant or a seed for an insect pest infestation comprising coating a portion of a seed, or spraying a portion of a plant, with a biopesticide composition comprising a biopesticide effective amount of isolated live Yersinia entomophaga MH96 obtained from a culture of Yersinia entomophaga MH96, wherein said Yersinia entomophaga MH96 is the bacterium deposited at DSMZ on 4 May 2006 and designated accession no. DSM
 18238. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the biopesticide composition applied to the plant or the seed comprises a dose of live Yersinia entomophagaMH96 of at least about 210 to 31,000,000 cells per cm².
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the insect pest is an insect species listed in Table
 13. 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the insect pest is an insect species listed in Table
 13. 